Boden and British Fashion Council announce Future British, a platform for fashion designers
Boden and the British Fashion Council (BFC) announced the launch of Future British, a new collaboration that will support British designers as they build their businesses in the fashion arena. Over 12 months, the designers selected to participate in Future British will benefit from Boden’s expertise
As well as financial support, they will receive mentoring in all areas key to building a global brand, including product development, brand identity, PR and marketing. Not to mention the opportunity to connect with Boden’s customer base of 1.5 million globally.
Recipients of Future British, a Boden-led programme, will also gain access to the brand’s leadership team: Chairman Johnnie Boden, CEO Julian Granville, Product Director Matthew Hilgeman and Global Brand Director Penny Herriman.
“I’m thrilled to announce our collaboration with the BFC to support start-up designer brands in Britain,” says Johnnie Boden. “The aim of Future British is to give these individuals the opportunity to succeed as the next big clothing brand.” The BFC will provide additional support through the BFC Fashion Business Network.
Future British participants will receive business development and mentoring from partners across all business areas, including legal, accounting, production, content and communications.
“Future British is an exciting collaboration between Boden and the BFC, highlighting young, product-driven designers to a new audience,” says BFC CEO Caroline Rush. “Utilising the resources of Boden, Future British aims to help young talent create great product at a good price point to establish viable business models and, ultimately, successful brands.”
Future British 2016 Launch Recipients: CAITLIN CHARLES-JONES: Caitlin Charles-Jones, 26, has always put design and wearability before her knitwear skills. Her approach won her the Visionary Knitwear Award at Graduate Fashion Week 2012, and she went on to work for Missoni. Caitlin has since set up her own studio. SAMANTHA McCOACH: With the vision of merging the old with the new, Samantha McCoach, 28, added a dose of contemporary style to her family’s kilt-making heritage when she founded Le Kilt in 2014. This season, Le Kilt plans to complement its ‘kiltie’ core with key garments and accessories, all with a nostalgic nod to Samantha’s Scottish history. CAMILLA ELPHICK: “Good shoes make a lasting first impression.” That’s the inspiration behind shoe designer Camilla Elphick’s label, which has garnered critical acclaim in just two seasons. Handmade in Italy, Camilla’s designs focus on premium, ethically sourced materials and bespoke prints.